Mayor Launches New Round of ‘Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor’

Next “Walk with the Mayor” to be Oct.13

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mayor Karl Dean today launched a new round of Walk 100 Miles with the Mayor, encouraging Nashvillians to walk 100 miles by the end of the year.

Mayor Dean will lead regular Walk with the Mayor events in neighborhoods, parks, greenways and other locations three to four times a month to encourage community participation and help participants reach the 100-mile goal. The Mayor’s Office will partner with local businesses, schools, community organizations and others for these walks. Organizations interested in hosting a walk event with Mayor Dean are encouraged to send their request to the Mayor’s Office. More information about how to submit a walk invitation can be found online at www.Walk100miles.com.

“We are making great progress calling attention to our fight against obesity, and in the process, our individual lives are improving,” Dean said. “By continuing our community walks, we help residents exercise and carry on our commitment to active, healthy living. I look forward to seeing the friends we made during last year’s walks and meeting new friends on our walks together during the rest of the year.”

Nashvillians who reach the 100-mile goal by the end of 2012 will receive a free, congratulatory Walk 100 Miles t-shirt. Participants should register and track their mileage online at www.Walk100miles.com.

Maplewood Walk on Monday, Oct. 22, 2:30 p.m.: Starts at Maplewood High School at 401 Walton Lane; 2-mile walk with Maplewood students, including members of the football team.

The community’s resolve to be more active and live healthier has attracted national attention. HBO’s documentary series The Weight of the Nation released this past spring spotlighted the first Walk 100 Miles initiative and other efforts to curb obesity and encourage exercise. The film also highlighted Nashville’s extensive investment in developing networks of parks, greenways, bike routes and sidewalks that support healthy lifestyles.

Last year, more than 4,000 people signed up for the challenge and collectively walked over 108,000 miles in a three-month period. As part of efforts to help Nashvillians lead active, healthier lives, the city will also hold a second annual Mayor’s Challenge 5K Walk/Run downtown on Nov. 18, which is free and includes free training at community centers. More information is at www.mayorschallenge5k.com.

Mayor Dean made the announcement today at Fifth Third Plaza during celebrations for Nashville Downtown Partnership’s Third Annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week and the 14th Annual Walk Nashville Week. A healthy complimentary lunch was available for participants.